Skin pigmentation: the main causes and methods of correction

Summer passed quickly, as always, leaving us with not only pleasant memories, but also not always pleasant dark spots on the face. What to do? Of course, go to a dermatologist. The doctor will not only help you cope with pigmentation, but also tell you how to minimize the risks of dark spots in the future.

Skin hyperpigmentation is also called melanosis because our skin color is determined by a pigment called melanin, which is produced from melanocyte cells. In fact, darkening of the skin is a protective function of the body, as it reacts to unwanted irritants or excessive sun exposure. However, when the spots stand out and become very noticeable, this is a reason to think that you need to change something in your lifestyle.

By the way, pigmentation can appear on all areas of the skin - not only on the face, but sometimes even on mucous membranes! Unfortunately, people often do not pay attention to stains that are hidden by clothes or shoes. But in vain. Particular attention should be paid to the appearance of pigment on the palms, feet and mucous membranes. This may indicate a violation of the internal organs!

Why does pigmentation occur?

There are many reasons for the appearance or intensification of spots on the face, and it is not always easy to diagnose them at first glance. It would be nice to have an idea of what is happening with your body as a whole, get tested, visit other specialized specialists. After all, pigmentation on the face can be caused by inflammation, and autaminosis, and poor ecology, and injuries, disruptions in the hormonal and immune systems, and disruption of the melanocyte cells, and even taking certain medications. Most often, pigmentation is caused by sex hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone.

But, in any case, you should know that the main trigger that triggers the pigmentation processes is the sun. Even if the original staining problem is different, excessive UV radiation will exacerbate the problem. Moreover, pigmentation often also has genetic roots. Therefore, if your mother and grandmother have clear signs of pigmentation on the skin (in the form of freckles - this is the only type of pigmentation that is inherited), then protection and prevention should be taken care of in advance.

Does peeling help get rid of pigmentation?

Pigmentation often occurs after peels, but it is also treated with peels. How can this be - patients ask.

It's simple. As a rule, pigmentation after peels occurs due to excessive trauma and lack of proper care after the procedure.

Peeling peeling strife! It is important what acid is used, the pH of the peeling, the size of the molecule in the composition of the peeling mass and the concentration of the acid. With the correct selection of the drug and in skillful hands, peeling will bring only a positive result without undesirable consequences. Therefore, you cannot do peeling at home, only a specialist can assess what exactly you need and whether this particular method is needed.

Can Vitiligo Be Cured?

Vitiligo brings a lot of suffering to its owner, because until now it was difficult to correct. Is it possible to defeat him with modern technology?

Before answering the question of whether vitiligo is treated, you need to understand what it is from the scientific point of view. Vitiligo is a multifactorial polygenic disease with a complex pathogenesis that has not yet been fully elucidated. One of the theories of its origin is the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes.

Currently, there are several methods of treating this disease, but their effectiveness, unfortunately, is still low. Treatment is carried out with local and systemic corticosteroids, narrow-band UV B, systemic psoralen and UV A (PUVA), and excimer laser. They even resort to skin transplants and melanocytic grafts.

You can try to smooth out the manifestations of this disease as much as possible, but, alas, today it is not possible to cure vitiligo.

How to get rid of pigmentation?

There are several methods of dealing with hyperpigmentation. Your doctor will tell you what is right for you.

Cosmetical tools

Preparations are used that contain hydroquinone, retinol, mequinol, azelaic acid, arbutin, kojic acid, ascorbic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid.

Plant extracts

There are times when plant extracts such as licorice extract, aloe extract, mulberry extract, shiitake extract and even green tea are sufficient. A trypsin inhibitor isolated from soybeans is also popular.

Laser techniques for removing pigmentation

Perhaps this is the most modern and effective way to get rid of age spots.

How to prevent the appearance of pigmentation?

If a person has age spots at least once, then he, and this needs to be understood, is forever in the risk zone. After all, this means that a person is prone to hyperpigmentation. Even if stains are removed in one place, this is not a guarantee that they will not recur or appear elsewhere.

Therefore, the only affordable and reasonable prevention is the daily use of sunscreens, lotions, fluids and sprays with a high SPF 50+.

Is tanning contraindicated?

People with skin hyperpigmentation or those undergoing treatment should not be in direct sunlight without SPF protection! And I do not recommend artificial UV (solarium) to anyone at all, it can cause not only the appearance of hyperpigmentation, but also photoaging. And most importantly, tanning salons provoke the rapid appearance of skin cancer, which is rapidly getting younger. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!